Since I was 14 I have kept diaries and journals and I've taught different methods of journal keeping for many years. I always say that if I have a journal and pens, and a book, I can stay occupied for many hours. But there is a twist. When I flew to Las Vegas to see my sister a few days ago I left my current journal on the plane along with the book I was reading, Steve Berry's "The Amber Room." I've got the airline alerted about the journal, but it would be nothing short of miraculous to get it back.
I got home from the airport last night about 10:15 p.m. after my two day visit with my sister Virginia and while I was there I found myself writing on plain paper for inclusion in a later journal. I began making the covers of the new journal today and have continued processing my memories of the visit and my see-sawing feelings.
While downloading some photos tonight this photo I took in Portland 2 1/2 years ago begged to be shared. It's such a beautiful now moment photo. What could go with this? Mary Oliver's "The Journey" seemed perfect for she says things that I am not only unaware that I'm feeling, but she brings peace to the place I'm in right now.
The Journey
by Mary Oliver
One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice--
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
"Mend my life!"
each voice cried.
But you didn't stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do--
determined to save
the only life you could save.
